Saudi clears women above 45 for Hajj

Nigerian women above 45 years have been cleared to travel alone for pilgrimage. Those below 45 are still required to travel with a companion.

No fewer than 1,000 Nigerian women have been deported from Saudi Arabia for travelling without Guarantor in their entry visas to the holy land for the Hajj.

But the Consul of Saudi Arabia in Kano yesterday said in a statement that “female pilgrims who are above 45 years of age can perform the annual Hajj without guarantor, while those below the 45 years should have their guarantors indicated in their passports in the name of respective pilgrims welfare boards managements.”

The latest development has given hope to the deported female pilgrims who are qualified to travel back to Saudi Arabia for the holy pilgrimage.

According to an official letter from the Saudi Consular office in Kano, deported female pilgrims below the age of 45 must have Muharram (Individual Guide) registered on their passports while it is not necessary for those above 45.

The Saudi authority warned that it will strictly apply the guidelines, saying officials handling pilgrims should strictly comply to avoid any possible embarrassment.

Executive Secretary of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Laminu Rabi’u, said the Board has made necessary arrangement to transport back the deported pilgrims.